As 2014 approaches I am building a few mini layouts for exhibition, 2 already accepted
Scale is 1/35(approx), representing 60cm gauge. After seeing that photo of what I think might be 40cm gauge in WW1 ruins I might include some 40cm gauge(12mm) in my next WW1 module
thats a lightweight board of styrofoam, 3ft by 2ft, so easy to transport and set up
Where there is space I want to have some other mini modules, and using a couple I built a few years ago using cardboard fruit box.
these ere originally deigned to work back to back, but plan to run them as two separate 'pizzas'.
More planned, including an triple APA box layout , similar concept to one already built but WW1 theme (UK, Europe, Egypt? possibly)

All above are easy to transport so looking for more exhibitions /events.

Really nice to see. After unearthing some forgotten books including Light Tracks to Arras and the volume 2 of narrow gauge at war I quite fancy a small WW1 themed module. My favourite loco is probably the Dick Kerr or Westinghouse Petrol Electric. Does anyone do a model of this in 0 gauge or 1/35th maybe?
I like your armoured Simplexes, considering how few of them they made your line has quite a lot Is that a kit or your own build?
cheers
Matt

Matt
a.k.a. Heywood Fan

Interested in the Heywood Minimum Gauge Concept and occasional modelling in Gn15

The Simplex locos are my own 3D printed design, one piece body with a separate chassis plate. Currently designed chassis for either Lima diesel shunter motor or Tenshodo Spud. Still some tweaking to be done

One thing I am considering is a version with doors open. Obviously I will then have to design the interior , which is partly why I designed chassis to take a Spud. Need to have a look at interior of real engine or closer look at the TV program where they restored one loco.

I would expect even more information, photos and film coming out next year.
Just watched through the original BBC series The Great War, made in 1964. Excellent in parts, especially some of the interviews with still youthful war veterans, but failing to cover the use of railways, and their advantages in the badly torn up landscape. Hopefully this will be redressed in next year or so.

some really good photos there. The two pictures showing damaged Open Simplex are especially interesting as I would not have expected these lightly armoured versions to be so near the action. I must work on that idea of an interior detail pack for my models, and then I can produce the open variant as well.
Need to think about wagons, currently plan to use Fleischmann Magic train size tippers and some of the Bachmann ON30 ones which look OK. Have designed and produced some French bogies, but there is so much choice for wagon bodies. Tempted by the Scalelink D wagons but a bit pricey. Might look at drawings of the bogies and produce those in 3D, with a scatchbuilt body.
It was only whilst doing my WW1 research how much the Australians did in WW1. Tend to think only of Gallipolli, but the Western Front was far more successful. Hopefully they won't be forgotten next year.
According to BBC film, the American troops did not go into battle until June 1918, and that was under Australian command.The American commanders were not keen , but the Australian commanders said they would not attack without the extra troops from America. Also the Americans at the time had to use Allied equipment.

Quite a few exhibitions lined up for this year and next. Looking forward to the 'Back to the Trenches' event at Apedale in September. Next year there is Preston, Liverpool ending up at Blackburn show in September. As layout has not been as easy to move around as I thought, I am building a bigger APA box based, layout to replace it
I have been looking into building some type of lighting panel, which will be WW1 themed , is wooden with barbed wire(fake), and have just bought an old wooden framed military stretcher to act as a support to put modules on. Still need to test it out as it looks bigger than expected.Its meant to be 7ft 6in long . Hopefully it will fit in car , and I have had another crazy idea,which I don't think I will use, namely a flag pole Will have to find somewhere for my flag though.